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Two acclaimed New Zealand writers have had their works disqualified from consideration for the nation's esteemed literature prize due to the utilization of artificial intelligence in designing their cover art.

Disqualification Particulars

Stephanie Johnson's short story collection "Obligate Carnivore" and the writer's short novel collection "Angel Train" were submitted for the Ockham 2026 book awards and its $65,000 New Zealand dollar fiction prize in the tenth month, but were disqualified the next month because of new rules concerning AI usage.

The publishing house of the two books, Quentin Wilson, explained that the prize committee updated the criteria in August, by which time the cover designs for all entered title would have already been completed.

“Consequently, it was much too late for publishers to incorporate this new rule into their design plans,” the publisher said.

Authors' Responses

Johnson voiced sympathy for the award administrators, saying she has serious worries about artificial intelligence in creative industries, but was let down by the decision.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t sad about it,” she remarked. “This marks my 22nd publication and my fourth short story anthology. These tales … were composed over roughly two decades, making this a particularly significant work for me.”

Johnson further stated that writers typically have little input in cover artwork and was did not know artificial intelligence had been employed for her cover, which displays a cat with human-like dentition.

“I just thought it was a photograph of a real cat and the teeth had been superimposed, but apparently it wasn’t,” the author said, adding that unlike younger generations, she struggles to identify AI-generated graphics.

Johnson feared that readers might think she used AI to write her book, which she emphatically denied.

“Instead of talking about my book … and what the inspiration was, we are talking about bloody AI, which I hate.”

In a comment, Elizabeth Smither expressed that the designers devoted hours creating her book's art, which features a steam train and an angel “half-obscured in the smoke”, inspired by artist the artist's imagery.

“My primary concern is for the designers: their careful, detailed work … is not being respected,” Smither stated.

Prize Committee's Position

Nicola Legat, chair of the book awards trust that oversees the prizes, said the organization takes a “firm stance on the application of AI in books.”

“The trust does not take lightly a decision that prevents the latest works of two of New Zealand’s most esteemed writers from being considered for the 2026 award,” Legat stated.

“However, the criteria apply to all entrants, regardless of their mana [status], and must be consistently applied to all.”

The decision to revise the artificial intelligence guidelines was driven by a desire to protect the artistic and copyright rights of the nation's writers and illustrators, she added.

“With artificial intelligence advancing, the trust may need to review and refine these criteria in the future.”

Industry Considerations

Wilson noted that publishing houses and writers regularly use software like grammar checkers and Photoshop, which incorporate artificial intelligence, and this situation highlighted the urgent requirement for well-defined guidelines.

“Our industry must collaborate to prevent a recurrence of this scenario.”

Both Smither and Johnson have previously served as judges for sections of the Ockham awards, and both stressed that covers get minimal attention during evaluation.

“The contents and the close reading were everything,” the author said.

The use of artificial intelligence in artistic fields has encountered growing examination as the technology progresses, with some groups creating methods to address its impact.